Outpatient Therapist

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides quality individual, couple, family and/or group therapy, which are focused on the patient's identified diagnosis and needs. Provides crisis intervention to new and current patients as needed. Is available 24 hours a day as needed for current caseload.
• Provides clinical/therapeutic services to a diverse client population. Accepts and treats all patients as identified or assigned willingly and with professionalism. Applies brief therapeutic intervention model as appropriate.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, formulates and monitors individualized treatment plans and treatment interventions which are in accordance with the department's Provision of Care and the Hospital's policies.
• Provides case management and utilization review services for patient in his/her assigned caseload. Provides education to patient and family as needed.
• Makes appropriate referrals to services within the Hospital and Aurora Behavioral Health Services or outside if needed. Serves as a liaison with these referral sources in coordination with other staff to insure continuity of care in discharge planning.
• Actively participates in clinical supervision and peer review activities. Provides consultation with other professionals, including ongoing clinical team treatment staffing.
• Provides community education and outreach, including referral development and marketing efforts to generate new business. Willingly accepts this as a necessary part of their job above and beyond caseload requirements.
• Accurately completes all documentation responsibilities as outlined in department/service area procedures within established timelines. Documentation responsibilities include but are not limited to: treatment plans, discharge summaries, aftercare plans, records for billing, etc.
• Assists in treatment development, innovation and improvements. Participates in performance improvement activities and care management initiatives as directed.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Professional Counselor license issued by the State of Wisconsin or State of Illinois, or
• Marriage and Family Therapist license issued by the State of Wisconsin or State of Illinois, or
• Social Worker, Clinical license issued by the State of Wisconsin or State of Illinois.

Education Required:

• Master's Degree in Social Work, or
• Master's Degree in Psychology, Clinical, or
• Master's Degree in Psychology, Educational, or
• Master's Degree in Psychology, Counseling or related field.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in providing therapy in behavioral health.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Some positions may be restricted to individuals with Master's Degree in Social Work and be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker upon hire.
• Some positions may also require one of the following Substance Abuse licenses upon hire, Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training, Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, or Clinical Supervisor-In-Training.
• Skilled as a generalist and has one or more specializations. Extensive knowledge and skills in the application of theory, practice and techniques of behavioral health and/or substance abuse treatment services.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to function in a complex mental health delivery system.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Will frequently be required to lift up to 25 lbs. without assistance, and will occasionally be required to lift over 25 lbs. with assistance.
• May be exposed to the following hazard: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, squat, bend, and reach above shoulders and twist.
• Must be able to restrain and control patients who are outwardly psychotic or physically combative.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.